Wildhunter Fleece Jackets

First impressions of both garments is the quality,  it seems Wildhunter’s ethos is not to have a massive product roster but concentrate more on quality kit be that fox calls, gun lights or outdoor garments. Also, though looking for higher end goods they’ve still got to be affordably priced. The Devon Fleece and Thorn Fleece fit that ethos perfectly, both by the way made in Belgium. Although build specifications might have you think them similar, the way these materials are used and designed makes them totally different as to when and for what you’d wear them for.

Devon

The Devon Fleece has an outer shell and lining of 100% polyester fleece, however both are also Teflon treated for protection against water. Substantial in build, though no insulation or fleece rating is given, it does state 80% Polyester/20% insulation, while the Fleece is bonded with a substance called ‘mapletex.’ This provides a barrier between the inner and outer layers, providing further protection, whilst still allowing the garment to remain 100% breathable.

Mapletex is part of a family of hi-tech resins and synthetics. This puts them in the ‘Belgian Company’s’ Maple Line range of high quality garments that feature what is termed as ‘climate regulator.’ Say no more, well Wildhunter aren’t and who can blame them after finding products such as these. The Devon features a high stand up collar, open yet elasticated cuffs, full zip front opening and two zip fasten handwarmer pockets on the outer. A double toggle adjustment and securing drawcord runs within the bottom hem. Inside are two zip fasten pockets with extra strengthening set to the lower sides towards the front, ideal for keys, mobile and the like.

Thorn

The Thorn Fleece is described as a soft shell coat with Breathatex membrane, meaning its 100% windproof, waterproof and breathable. All of the pockets and zip closures have waterproof zip covers, the outer shell of this ‘slim cut’ jacket is made from an elastic material called Vooreen which provides excellent comfort and ‘thorn-proof’ qualities – hence the name.  Again, the fleece is bonded with mapletex. Externally, it has a high stand up collar, Velcro strap adjust cuffs, neat waterproof zip fasten pocket on left breast with zip top hand-warmer pockets. Internally on both garments opposite the outer hand warmer pockets are open top and very generously sized ‘drop-in’ pockets for quick storage. Pity sizes are relatively limited as in my opinion this practical yet stylish outdoor wear is a must.

Name: Devon Fleece (Green/Brown) & Thorn Fleece (Olive Green)
Price: £60 and £79 respectively Sizes S – 2XL
Contact: Contact: Wildhunter (Ireland) 090 6470 344 for nearest stockists
(UK) 020 3239 8464 for nearest stockists
www.wildhunter.eu

1, Hey good looking, Pete Wadeson wearing the Wildhunter Thorn fleece and very nice it is too

2, The Devon fleece is a little more simplistic
3, The Thorn is perhaps more a jacket

For: Build quality, style and good technical attributes

Against: Nothing at all

Verdict: A fleece is a useful garment and these two are well worth a look